Sewickley Mayor Jeffe to resign at year's end

Sewickley Mayor Brian Jeffe has announced he will resign at the end of the year.

In a letter addressed to council members and Sewickley residents dated July 27, Jeffe said the role has been his focus, often at the cost of his family and career.

Jeffe is listed as the principal senior surety consultant on the website of Seubert & Associates, a Pittsburgh insurance agency.

“For those that know me, they can tell you that I don’t have a political bone in my body. I’ve volunteered as mayor to make Sewickley all it can be, for everybody,” Jeffe states in the letter that was posted on the Sewickley Borough Police Department Facebook page. “However, the political climate now has made it fashionable to empower those who critique versus those who contribute. I have a low tolerance for those who are not willing to volunteer but have no problem critiquing those who do. It is taxing and it has taken its toll on me mentally and physically. Consequently, I’m alerting council of my intent to resign at the end of 2020.”

Jeffe, who took office in 2010 and is in his third term, said he has no intention to leave the community and will continue to volunteer in some capacity.

“Sewickley is losing a great mayor who served the community of Sewickley selflessly,” said the police department post. “His leadership and dedication will be sorely missed.”

In addition to mayor, Sewickley Borough has a nine-member elected council.

Sewickley borough manager Marla Marcinko said that Jeffe will complete the third year of a four-year term, which commenced on Jan. 1, 2018.

“Council will need to appoint a qualified elector to fill the vacancy and the office will be on the ballot in 2021. There has been no discussion on what process would be followed to fill the vacancy,” Marcinko said.

Jeffe did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Jeffe said in the letter that being mayor has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

“Sewickley is a town that is small enough that one person can actually make a difference, ” he said, “and I’m proud of our mutual accomplishments over the years.”